American Airlines Jet Hits Deer on Takeoff – Lands Safely

An American Airlines regional jet passenger plane hit a deer on takeoff at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport Wednesday afternoon. The crew of the American Eagle jet declared an emergency and returned to the airport landing safely.

The aircraft carrying 44 passengers and four crew members first did a flyover so ground personnel could look for potential damage before they attempted the landing.

The American Eagle CRJ-700 jet was headed to Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport in Mississippi. The passengers evacuated the aircraft on the runway and it was sprayed with foam because of a visible fuel leak caused by wing damage. No injuries were reported.

Photo from WSOC-TV Charlotte News

It is not unusual for wildlife strikes at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. While most of the collisions occur with birds they did report that a coyote and a raccoon were also struck last year.

Featured image from WSOC-TV Charlotte News

About the Author

Doug "Casper" Kolonia
is a former US Navy pilot with flight time in the T2, A4, F-18, C-130 and T-39. He was selected as a SERGRAD flight instructor after completing Advanced Jet Training in Kingsville, TX. He also served as the Schedules Officer for the Navy Air Logistics Office (NALO) in New Orleans, LA.